By Mat Elfring on Mar 07, 2018 12:20 am
It's almost time for your DVR to be overfilled with new episodes of your favorite shows. Whether you're into comedy, drama, or sci-fi, there is something for you on the small screen in the upcoming months. In addition, we're getting the final season of FX's spy/thriller The Americans, and the first season of Syfy's new DC Entertainment series Krypton. Also, there's this little HBO show returning called Westworld that we will all be looking forward to. The list of new and returning shows is long between March and May, but we narrowed it down to 14 series that we're excited about, which you should check out. Obviously, a few of the selections will require subscriptions to HBO, Netflix, and Hulu. To jump ahead to April, click here.
Jessica Jones: Season 2
It's been three years since the first season of Jessica Jones hit Netflix, and fans have been clamoring for more. Everyone's favorite hard-drinking, super-powered private detective returns for a second season, as the titular character deals with her past and what gave her the abilities she possesses. Just make sure, if you plan on binging, to get passed the first episode, as it has a slow start according to GameSpot's review by Mike Rougeau. Jessica Jones comes to Netflix on Thursday, March 8.
Adam Ruins Everything: Season 4
Adam is back for a fourth season of his comedic/education series that tackles preconceived notions about life, work, food, etc., and backs up its arguments with actual facts. Season 4 of the series kicks off with six animated episodes (via Deadline), and while the series has had animated segments in the past, they've only done one fully animated episode thus far. Adam Ruins Everything returns to TruTV on Tuesday, March 20 at 10 PM ET.
Krypton
There are a lot of DC shows on television: Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Black Lightning, Gotham, and Supergirl. Get ready because there is another one coming towards the end of March: Krypton. The new Syfy series follows Superman's grandfather on his home planet of Krypton, as Brainiac plans on bottling the city of Kandor. The most recent trailer for the show is pretty awesome, as we finally get to see Brainiac, and the CG looks pretty dang good. This show has a lot of potential for greatness. Krypton airs on Syfy on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 PM ET.
Barry
In this new HBO series, Bill Hader plays a hitman from the midwest who follows his latest target to Los Angeles. While there, he gets the acting bug and finds a love for the art that he's apparently bad at. HBO has a great track record with comedic series, with series like Veep, Silicon Valley, and Crashing being the current top dogs for the network. The premise for Barry is fantastic, and from the looks of the trailers, Hader is going to metaphorically kill it on this show. Barry premieres on HBO on Sunday, March 25.
Silicon Valley: Season 5
Nothing seems to go right with Richard and the Pied Piper gang on Silicon Valley, but with Season 5, they'll be trying to invent a new internet that will put Hooli out of business. The show hasn't missed a step in the past four years and continues to be one of the best comedic series on television. Silicon Valley premieres on HBO on Sunday, March 25.
The Terror
Based on a true story, The Terror follows the British Royal Navy's journey through uncharted territory in order to find the Northwest Passage. There's a feeling of hopelessness and fear in the trailer, and while many other period piece series can be a tad dull, The Terror looks intense. Put this one on your DVR. The Terror premieres on AMC on Monday, March 26 at 9 PM ET.
The Americans: Season 6
FX's spy-thriller series follows a husband and wife living in America, and they're secretly Russian spies. Coming into its sixth and final season, Phillip and Elizabeth will continue to work in the United States on their operation for the KGB. Season 6 will consist of 10 episodes, and while it's sad to see The Americans come to an end, this has been a phenomenal series. You might want to start catching up now before the end of March. The Americans returns to FX on Wednesday, March 28 at 10 PM ET.
The Crossing
In ABC's new sci-fi drama, refugees start showing up in an American town, and they're all from a war that takes place 250 years in the future. The Crossing has an incredibly interesting premise, and the trailer shows a lot of promise. However, ABC has a history of pulling shows with mid-season premieres halfway through their run, especially shows with a sci-fi or fantasy slant, so you may want to check out The Crossing as it airs. The Crossing comes to ABC on Monday, April 2 at 10 PM ET.
Legion: Season 2
The first season of Legion was so good, and we could not be more excited for it to return to FX in April. For those who missed out, Legion follows David Haller, a schizophrenic man with extraordinary abilities: he's a mutant, and according to comic book lore, he's the son of Charles Xavier. The show is unique and at times, very trippy. It is unlike any other comic book show on television. Legion returns to FX on Tuesday, April 3 at 10 PM ET.
The Expanse: Season 3
Syfy's futuristic sci-fi series The Expanse is back for a third season. The show started out relatively grounded, as a war between Mars and Earth was looming. From there, it followed an unraveling conspiracy, and eventually, we got to see the protomolecule hybrids, which were terrifying. If you read the novels the show is based on, then you know it's only going to get crazier. The Expanse returns to Syfy on Wednesday, April 11 at 9 PM ET.
Lost In Space
It's been a year and half since Netflix announced it was rebooting the classic TV show Lost In Space. Now, there's a full trailer and release date for the new series, and it's coming sooner than we thought. The trailer appears to be a solid reboot to the original series, as the show has a bit of a darker tone. Will Robinson's best friend, which was originally a robot, now seems a bit more alien than anything else, but that seems like the biggest difference. Regardless, it still looks fun. Lost In Space comes to Netflix on Friday, April 13.
Fear of the Walking Dead: Season 4
Morgan Jones is moving over as a series regular to Fear of the Walking Dead for its fourth season. The group ended up split at the end of Season 3, so who knows where Season 4 will take us. At this point, the spin-off is more coherent and entertaining than the Walking Dead itself, as its story is less predictable. Fear of the Walking Dead returns to AMC on Sunday, April 15 at 10 PM ET.
Westworld: Season 2
The first season of HBO's Westworld took us all by surprise. The series, based off the not-so-great 1973 movie of the same name, follows guests and robots inside a futuristic wild west theme park. From there, Season 1 took the viewer through twists and turns, which were sometimes insanely confusing, but in the end, it all made sense--except for the focus on The Maze. You can get a good idea of what's in store for you by checking out the newest trailer. Westworld comes back to HBO on Sunday, April 22 at 10 PM ET.
The Handmaid's Tale: Season 2
The first season of Hulu's original series The Handmaid's Tale won two Golden Globes and eight Emmys after the debut season in 2017, which is quite the accomplishment for a dystopian sci-fi series. The show takes place in the future where the country has become a theocracy where women are not allowed to work or own property. The series follows June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), a handmaid whose role is to get pregnant by her male masters. The series returns at the end of April, and we're hoping it lives up to the first season. The Handmaid's Tale returns to Hulu on Wednesday, April 25.
By Matt Espineli on Mar 07, 2018 12:13 am
A Growing Library Of Exclusives
In 2017, Microsoft managed to enhance its latest and a few pre-existing games with upgraded visuals thanks to the release of Xbox One X. However, the publisher's roster of exclusives last year was small. Fortunately, Microsoft is kicking off this year with a solid array of exclusive triple-A and independent games. With so many great-looking games coming to the console that you won't find anywhere else, we've compiled a list of all the exclusive games coming to Xbox One in the coming months. Make sure to check back often, as we'll continue to update our entries with specific dates and info when new announcements are made. If you're curious about other platforms, you can check out our features on PS4 exclusives, PC exclusives, and Switch exclusives. It's worth noting that there are a few games in this gallery that are also on PC. Given Microsoft's Play Anywhere program and the company's hand in both console and PC gaming, these games have been included. There's also a wealth of exciting games coming out in 2018 that aren't necessarily exclusive to one platform or another, so be sure to check out our individual features highlighting the most anticipated PS4 games, Xbox One games, PC games, and Switch games for a broader look at the year ahead.
Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a first-person cooperative sci-fi shooter where up to four players explore procedurally generated, destructible environments to complete a variety of missions. As a team of Dwarven space miners, you work together to blow up cave walls and mow down enemies. Developer: Ghost Ship Games | Release Date: February 28 (Early Access) | Watch the Trailer
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is the first original, non-Kinect game by iconic developer Rare in years. It's a first-person multiplayer action-adventure game that allows you to live out the life of a pirate with your friends. You'll be able to work together to navigate the sea by ship while hunting down treasure and fending off competing players. Developer: Rare | Release Date: March 20 | Watch the Trailer
State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 is a multiplayer zombie survival game featuring an open-world environment and co-op gameplay with up to three other players. Unlike the original, the game allows you to control anyone in your crew of survivors, who each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Developer: Undead Labs | Release Date: May 22 | Watch the Trailer
Black Desert Online
The incredibly popular PC MMORPG Black Desert Online is making its way onto Xbox One this year as a timed-exclusive. Thanks to the power of the Xbox One X, the upcoming console port can be played in 4K. Developer: Pearl Abyss | Release Date: Early 2018 | Watch the Trailer
Crackdown 3
Crackdown 3 is an open-world action-adventure game that has you stopping crime in a futuristic city where everything is destructible. Its main protagonist is voiced by famous actor, Terry Crews (White Chicks, Idiocracy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Developer: Sumo Digital, Reagent Games, Ruffian Games, and Cloudgine | Release Date: Spring 2018 | Watch the Trailer
Ashen
Ashen is an action-RPG where you play a wanderer in search of a place to settle. However, the game's hostile world filled with malicious scavengers and deadly creatures ensures you won't stay in one place for long. Ashen challenges you to explore the world, create settlements, and seek out other adventurers to join you and improve your chances of survival. Developer: Aurora44 | Release Date: TBA 2018 | Watch the Trailer
The Darwin Project
The Darwin Project is a third-person competitive multiplayer battle royale game with an emphasis on survival. In order to win, you must endure extreme weather conditions, while tracking opponents and setting up traps. Developer: Scavenger Studio | Release Date: TBA 2018
The Last Night
The Last Night is a 2.5D cinematic platformer where you play as Charlie, a lower-class citizen in a society where computers and machinery have taken over menial work. You explore the city, talk with its various inhabitants, and discover its secrets. Developer: Odd Tales | Release Date: TBA 2018 | Watch the Trailer
By Array on Mar 07, 2018 12:10 am
Rainbow Six Siege's new Operation Chimera update has arrived, bringing new Operators and the limited-time Outbreak mode to the game. It also features some other significant changes to the game, as well as the addition of a new type of loot box called an Outbreak pack that features exclusive weapon skins, uniforms, headgear, and charms. In the images above, we've collected all 50 new items available through Outbreak packs. You'll receive four packs for free just by logging in during the Outbreak event. Beyond that, you'll have to purchase additional ones for 300 R6 Credits ($5 gets you 600 Credits); a few other newly added items are obtained through specific gameplay challenges. Until you've obtained everything available through Outbreak packs, you're guaranteed a new item each time you open one--there are no duplicates. Operation Chimera is a major update for Siege, and its release marks the start of Year 3 for the game. Unlike a typical expansion, it features two Attacker Operators (Lion and Finka) and no new competitive multiplayer map. There are, however, three new maps designed specifically for Outbreak, which is a cooperative mode for up to three players. In it, you play as select Operators as you deal with a zombie-like virus that threatens to wipe out life near the US-Mexican border. Both Outbreak and the Outbreak packs are only available for a limited time, running from now until April 3. It and the broader Chimera update are available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, but be aware that it's encountered some launch issues, including those related to the free Ash Sidewinder Elite skin and the ability to view the collection screen, among other things.
By GameSpot Staff on Mar 06, 2018 09:30 pm
Surviving the Nightmare
Bloodborne is one of the PlayStation Plus free games of March 2018. If you're here, it's likely because you've just downloaded this critically acclaimed action-RPG. As a follow up to From Software's Souls franchise, Bloodborne will be very familiar to those who have followed the series. The good news is that you absolutely do not need to have prior knowledge of the Souls games to understand, appreciate, and most importantly, play Bloodborne. For the seasoned Souls player, it would be a mistake to assume you can skip through the tutorials. Even if you manage to pull off the new visceral attack, you may not know how you did it, let alone how you can do it 100 percent of the time. You can also say that the regain system fundamentally makes this wholly different from Dark Souls. To help both series veterans and newbies coming into this dark adventure for the first time this month, we've detailed the intricacies of the games mechanics and tactics in the 13 tips ahead. These will greatly make your first couple hours in Bloodborne considerably easier in what is already a challenging game. Now is the best time to jump into Bloodborne seeing as the game's online community is rallying to return to the game for the PlayStation Plus release. If you're curious about our full thoughts on Bloodborne, read our review. And be sure to check out our other guides, detailing which Bloodborne class is best for you and how to defeat every boss in the base game.
What Starter Gear You Should Choose
When you arrive to the Hunter's Dream after your first death, you'll get to arm yourself with Bloodborne's starter weapons, with a melee weapon in one hand and a firearm in another. With the myriad monstrosities that await you, it's important to choose the right starter weapons. Here's what you need to know about each weapon to help you make an informed decision. Melee (Right-Arm): - Saw Cleaver -- This is the most balanced of the three weapons. Its extended version has effective reach while the compact version makes it light for a quick series of attacks. This makes for a solid pick if you're unsure what to go with.
- Hunter Axe -- Direct and brutal, this axe has great damage, provided you can manage its slow speed. Its longer, alternate version has one drawback in that it needs to be held with two hands.
- Threaded Cane -- With its long range, this cane is great against crowds even if its damage isn't as high as the other weapons. Its speed is also impressive.
Ranged (Left-Arm): - Hunter Blunderbuss -- This functions like a shotgun, meaning that its range is poor but can hit multiple targets at close range. It's also more potent against a single target when you're even closer. Note that a single shot only requires one bullet.
- Hunter Pistol -- Better range than the Blunderbuss but you can only hit one target at a time. It's also effective in attracting attention from afar like the pebbles in the game.
How To Defeat The Most Challenging Early Non-Boss Enemies
Now that you're armed, you can exact vengeance on the lycanthrope that likely killed you in the opening moments of the game. But that's not the only tough adversary that awaits you; there are plenty of other tough combatants you'll be fighting relatively early in your adventure. Along with the lycanthrope, we've noted two other large-sized enemies you'll encounter in Bloodborne's initial hour. Learning how to beat these three will train you in the fundamentals of combat, often applicable to bosses. - Lycanthrope: This fast-moving beast can be dealt with using quick melee attacks. Its animation before it lunges is easy to read so be ready to dodge and attack to its side (or better yet, its rear). You should be cautious about its lunges since there's the possibility it can grab you by its teeth, which often results in death.
- Gargantuan Pig: Your first encounter with this pig will most likely be in the sewer. He poses a unique challenge in that his size does not make combat easy in the confining and narrow passages of the sewer. Do not face him head on if his front half is up in the air; it means he's about to slam down. You should also be mindful of his head swipes, where he swings his front half back and forth. Like many other enemies, his weak spots are at his sides and rear.
- Ax-Wielder: If you want to cut your teeth in learning the fundamentals of close range defense, particularly dodging, you'll want a duel with this guy. When you head down the stairs leading to the passing mob, make a U-turn and you'll find this round, hulking foe surrounded by coffins and a carriage. He's slow but deadly and makes for a great training partner in rolling moves. Practice with him to learn how to get behind an enemy.
Study Every Enemy
Speaking of tough enemies, every one you face in Bloodborne has their own unique attacks and moves. You're encouraged to experiment, but also know that some enemies are easy enough that a series of quick attacks might be all you need. Some enemies in Yharnam are very easy to kill in a 1-on-1 fight, but you might want to plan a different strategy when they're in crowds. That applies to the ground-hugging carrion crow, an easy creature to kill, but can also overwhelm you if it has friends.
Take Advantage Of The Regain System
The Regain System is an integral part of combat where you have a very brief window of opportunity to regain lost health by dealing damage to the enemy that hit you. You'll know you've regained some health if you glow red with a successful blow. Bloodborne encourages up-close, assertive combat as opposed to Dark Souls, which allowed you more opportunities to distance yourself and regroup. Expect heated exchanges where you're not only trading blows with an enemy, but also trading health bars. As you fight enemies, it's natural to assume that once they die, you'll no longer be able to siphon health from it--but if the regain system is still active, that's not the case. Enemies who are performing their death animation can still be attacked to regain health. So, if it's safe to, keep whacking away at collapsing corpses to maximize your use of the regain system.
Methodically Transform Your Trick Weapons
A crucial part of combat is distance management, and the state of your melee weapons can make a huge difference against a particular enemy. With a tap of the L1 button, you can toggle between two weapon lengths. The longer version will obviously give you better reach, something to consider when taking on enemies with longswords and spears. Conversely, the shorter version of your weapon allows for quicker attacks. It is imperative that you keep your weapons in good shape. Do not wait for the weapon durability warning to appear. It's not a case of whether the weapon works or not. Its effectiveness gradually reduces with every dozen or so hits. Repairing weapons costs very little so you should have them repaired often at the workbench inside the house in the Hunter's Dream.
Your Trick Weapon Transformation Is Also An Attack
Though pressing L1 to transform your Trick Weapon while idle looks cool, it's even cooler when you fluidly integrate that transformation into a combo. If you're in the middle of striking an enemy, you can press L1 to perform an attack that also transforms your weapon into its other mode at the same time. This is especially useful if the distance between you and the enemy suddenly changes, and you don't want to let up your barrage of strikes.
Know And Master The Visceral Attack
Bloodborne takes a page from counter moves in fast-paced action games by giving you an opportunity to stun an enemy and deal significant damage. With the right timing, a shooting an enemy in motion can stun him and bring him to his knees. You know you've accomplished this if you hear a high pitched metallic sound. Knowing when to fire depends on the enemy but the miniscule window of opportunity is usually when they're about to strike you. One exception is the second boss, who can be stunned during his forward roll. A stunned enemy will allow you to deal as many as six melee blows before they can fight back. If you're right next your foe while he's on his knees, you can deal a massive "visceral" stab attack. It's deadly enough to finish off most non-bosses in a single strike and can take off significant health from the bosses.
Always Look For Shortcuts
The initial area of Yharnam is a dense, labyrinthine district of a much larger city. It takes a while to fully explore, but once you've visited each section repeatedly, you'll realize that these areas are actually smaller than they initially feel. Its world is fundamentally more akin to Dark Souls than Dark Souls II, which means that shortcuts abound. If you come across a locked gate, there's a very good chance that there's an path to the other side of that gate. With the gate open, two lanterns checkpoints that were once far apart are suddenly close to each other.
Blood Echoes And How To Manage Them
With every enemy you defeat, one of the numbers on the upper right corner of the screen increases. This is known as blood echoes, the equivalent to souls in Dark Souls. Note that you will not be able to redeem your blood echoes until you reach the first boss, the Cleric Beast. The greatest risk in Bloodborne is in dying, because you end up losing whatever blood echoes you have. You do have an opportunity to gain them back, though. The catch is that you have to return to the scene of the crime and that includes the same enemies in the immediate area. Like Dark Souls, a bloodstain will indicate the spot where you died. Interacting with it will give back your blood echoes. Note that in Bloodborne, your blood echoes may not be found in a bloodstain. Instead, you will have to kill a creature close to where your bloodstain would normally be. It's not hard to pick out this enemy as the one who holds your blood echoes is indicated by glowing eyes.
You Can Restore The Health Lost From Blood Bullets
If you press up on the D-pad, you can create some extra bullets from your own blood at the cost of a portion of your health. However, that health lost has Bloodborne's regain system applied to it--which means you can restore most of that health if you attack any nearby enemy immediately after creating those blood bullets. Free ammo is always useful!
You Can Attack While Climbing A Ladder
This is simple to pull off, but we wouldn't be surprised if you've never tried. Just press R1 to punch upward, or R2 to kick downward. It's rare that you'll ever need to use this, since NPCs don't seem to climb ladders all that often, but if you get into a PVP stoush over climbing space, this will definitely come in handy. Just don't run out of stamina while on the ladder, or you'll fall to your death.
You Can Break Out Of Grab Attacks
Throughout your journey, you'll encounter enemies that grab you and deal a lot of damage while you're unable to move. If you quickly alternate between pressing L2 and R2, you can break out of the grab slightly quicker. Additionally, you'll be in a different state when breaking out of the grab. Without pressing L2 and R2, you'll end up knocked to the ground and it takes seconds to get back up. If you do press L2 and R2, you'll throw the enemy off you and will immediately be able to take action.
You Can Add Gestures To Your Notes
When using the Notebook to jot down a note, press R1 a couple of times to find more options. You can add a second set of words to your note, and you can also add a gesture which other players will see in spectral form when reading your note. I've found that adding the "Point" gesture is most useful here, because it actually saves the direction you're looking in when you start writing the note. As such, it's possible to literally point out secrets and specific pathways for other players if you line yourself up just right when writing a note.
By Eddie Makuch on Mar 06, 2018 08:02 am
Here's All The New Skins For Overwatch's 27th Character
The newest Overwatch hero, Brigitte, is available now on the game's Public Test Realm. And so are a lot of different skins. In this gallery we're rounding up all the Brigitte skins we've seen so far. As you'll see Brigitte has Classic, Engineer, Carbon Fiber, and other skins available. They all seem to retain Brigitte's same basic look but you'll see that the skins give her outfit new colors and change the look of her weapon. One of the skins puts spinning gears on the middle of her shield. At least one of the skins also puts cosmetic equipment on her, including welding goggles and a tool pouch that goes on her belt. Click through the gallery to see all of the Brigitte skins we've seen so far. Brigitte is a Support-class hero who can heal and provide armor to her allies, hit multiple enemies at once with her flail, and equip a shield. With the use of her Shield Bash ability, she's able to do some notable things, like stun Reinhardt through his shield, stop Reinhardt's Charge, and stun Torbjörn's sentry.
By GameSpot Staff on Mar 06, 2018 06:38 am
Happy Birthday, 3DS!
It's been over a seven years since the 3DS first launched in Japan. A lot of Nintendo fans have shifted their focus over to the Switch, but the 3DS is still kicking, with Metroid: Samus Returns and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions being some of its standout games in 2017. Now, seven years later, we're taking a look through the 3DS's impressive library and picking out some of the best games the handheld has to offer. From Zelda and Pokemon to Picross and Rhythm Heaven, the 3DS has a great game for pretty much everyone. Click ahead to see our picks for some of the best games on 3DS. For more Nintendo, check out our gallery on the biggest 3DS and Switch games to play in 2018. If you missed out on last year's games, see our picks for the best 3DS games of 2017.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing has long been a beloved life simulation series, and with New Leaf, the 3DS has something very special. A lot is the same as the previous games; you still move to a new town populated by cute animals, and you still have to pay off your home debt to Tom Nook. But New Leaf's twists on the formula make your town feel more unique, which makes it even easier to become completely drawn in. In New Leaf, you move to a new town only to find out you're apparently the mayor. As such, you're given greater control over the town than in previous Animal Crossing games, including the placement of town decorations (like benches, clocks, and special buildings) and the overall vibe of the town. You're not just connected to the villagers and the laid-back atmosphere of fishing, bug collecting, and decorating; you're invested in the town on a different level than before, and it's an even more engaging game for it. Plus, the fan-favorite island from the GameCube version is back in New Leaf and ready to be farmed (how else are you going to pay off your loans?).
Azure Striker Gunvolt
After years working on the Mega Man Zero and ZX games, studio Inti Creates put its experience to good use for an original creation on 3DS: Azure Striker Gunvolt. It's another side-scrolling action-platformer, and the main character even controls a little like Mega Man X, with wall jumps and dashes giving him great speed and agility. But Gunvolt is defined not by his similarities to Mega Man, but by the thing that makes him fundamentally different. Instead of blasting enemies with an arm cannon, Gunvolt shoots conductive tags at enemies. Once they are attached, Gunvolt can unleash an electrical storm that channels lightning into his targets. This setup lets him gracefully dash through levels while laying waste to multiple enemies simultaneously. Taking the game's beautiful 2D presentation and catchy soundtrack into consideration, Gunvolt is one of the best side-scrolling action games on the 3DS, and a shining example of what Mega Man could have become.
Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan
Atlus' first-person dungeon crawler RPG series made its 3DS debut with the fourth entry, Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan. Many of the gameplay elements Etrian Odyssey has been known for remain intact with some new additions, like an engaging overworld with an airship and powerful enemies that roam the skies. You still get the unique turn-based combat system where commands for each party member are decided upon before anything happens within that turn. Once every command is set, the turn unfolds in order of character agility. It forces you to think ahead and sharpen your planning skills when facing new enemies. Don't be surprised when an enemy knocks down an ally before they get their move in. In the fantastical labyrinths of the Yggdrasil tree are the roots of exploration; the dungeons within the tree are mazes made up of several square blocks on a map that you have to draw yourself. You have to keep track of points of interest and passageways on the bottom 3DS screen, otherwise you'll be lost. Like the previous game in the series can be rather difficult. Powerful boss-like foes known as F.O.E.s roam dungeons and the overworld, and a lot of progress can get lost if you slip up and your party gets wiped out. But if the standard difficulty is still a bit much, there's a casual mode that takes a little pressure off while still providing a challenge. Either way, EOIV provides a deep roleplaying experience in a colorful world where character specialization and customization take precedent.
Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem Awakening became the coming-out party for Intelligent Systems' niche tactical RPG series. While preserving much of the turn-based challenges the series is known for, Awakening's breadth of accessibility options appeals to newcomers, making it the perfect gateway installment. Chief among these features is the option to avoid permadeath, a key gameplay element that's long appealed to Fire Emblem purists. And its relatively short yet involving battles prove a fit for the popular and portable Nintendo handheld, easily overshadowing the lone Wii installment, Radiant Dawn, in spite of the home console's much larger user base. Awakening's relationship-building component adds a strategic layer of gameplay but also drives players to develop attachments to their favorite characters. Ensemble cast-driven series like Mass Effect popularized the notion of "shipping" potentially amorous characters. Awakening's interpersonal cast relationships rode this social media-enabled trend with memorable warriors like Donnell and Tharja, who would be coveted characters in the mobile-exclusive Fire Emblem Heroes. The introduction of the Pair Up mechanic in combat allows players to create deadly duos of their chosen characters to turn the tide in battle. Playing off the well-known battle triangle by allowing characters to swap to advantageous weapons in a pinch makes short work of previously drawn-out affairs and redistributes some of the series' focus on tactical positioning to how social bonds affect combat. This perfect storm of enthralling features could not have been more well-timed, as Nintendo considered cancelling the series depending on how Awakening was received.
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Intelligent Systems' latest 3DS Fire Emblem game is both a departure for the series and a throwback to the past. Designed as a reimagining of 1992's Fire Emblem Gaiden for the Nintendo Famicom (the Japanese equivalent of the NES), Echoes features free-roaming 3D dungeon exploration to break up the procession of tactical, 2D battles. But it's also remarkable for disregarding the recent trend of incorporating romance mechanics, as seen in Fates and Awakening. Both approaches are good, but Echoes feels especially notable for this contrasting quality. The addition of Mila's Turnwheel, a mechanic that allows you to rewind time, distinguishes Echoes even further. Where you might feel compelled to restart an entire battle after a mistake in other Fire Emblem games, Echoes gives you limited use of the Turnwheel, which is fueled by the very limited Cog items earned at key points in the game. Because you have to earn the items that allow you to change your party's fate, it feels more like an intelligent...system, rather than a cheap concession for iffy tacticians. Differences aside, the Fire Emblem games on 3DS are all great, and Echoes follows suit despite being a bit of a black sheep.
Fire Emblem Fates
Fire Emblem Fates is the first title in the franchise to release as a multi-version affair: It offers players the option of three storylines based around its central protagonist. While the game treads familiar ground in continuing to craft narratives around war, Fates shows players all sides of the story, offering different entry points to the series depending on the difficulty level. Its complex story and structure is a response to the Fire Emblem Awakening's plot, which was criticized for its simplicity. Handily, Fates keeps the accessibility options that were introduced in Awakening, including the option to avoid permadeath and the Pair Up mechanic. Each version carries its own regional classes, and combat differs depending on the version you choose. Birthright and Revelation's campaigns have simple objectives, while Conquest provides a more militaristic experience. Complementing these features is the distinct Japanese and European aesthetics of the story's opposing forces, while also bringing back Yusuke Kozaki's recognizable character designs that made Awakening's cast so memorable. Chief among the improvements in Fates is the variety of things you can do in your downtime. You can go further than the series has ever allowed before when it comes to romantic relationships. Furthermore, base-building elements give players useful ways to interact with their armies, while StreetPass connectivity lets you swap rare items and materials with friends on the fly. For those who are on the fence, Fates' unique marriage of classic Fire Emblem sensibilities and streamlined gameplay is sure to be a hit.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Diving into Kid Icarus: Uprising for the first time can be a bit of headache. With some rather obtuse and unwieldy controls--even coming packed with a kickstand to prop up your 3DS for extra comfort--this reboot of Nintendo's once-forgotten IP didn't exactly make a good first impression. But in truth, Kid Icarus: Uprising does many surprising and interesting things to revitalize the series and offers some of the most satisfying action gameplay on the 3DS. Developed by Project Sora and led by Masahiro Sakurai (the creator of Super Smash Bros.), this action-brawler brings Pitt back from the proverbial grave to take on the forces of darkness in Ancient Greece. Shifting between on-rails shooting sequences and on-foot third-person action, Uprising also manages to pull in a rather robust loot system to deck Pitt in large arsenal of weapons, and a strange yet compelling take on the standard difficulty system where you could bet resources on making levels harder to earn better rewards. While the game's plot starts out simple, it quickly becomes anything but. Just when you think that Uprising is winding down, the narrative takes a major turn, revealing that you're only about halfway through--and far more challenging monsters await. But in order to see some of the story's great moments, you'll have to learn to work with Uprising's unorthodox control scheme, which is the most difficult part of the game. If you stick with it, taking the time to learn the systems and make your peace with the controls, you'll find that Kid Icarus features some surprisingly dense combat mechanics and a rather clever story that gives a new appreciation for the angelic character--and the series he came from.
Kirby Planet Robobot
Kirby games are often so easy that you could confuse them as products made solely for children, but the series maintains its popularity due to the sheer amount of creativity packed into every moment. Planet Robobot is no different. Its stages are easy to finish and you may reach the end before you realize it. But what Planet Robobot lacks in difficulty it makes up with relentless charm--from its expressive cartoon characters to its catchy soundtrack, there are multiple reasons to fall in love with Kirby all over again. Planet Robobot once again leans into Kirby's unique ability to swallow enemies and acquire their powers, but the addition of mech suits gives him a newfound presence. Between the two forms, there are over twenty transformations to experiment with, and this inherent variety never stops being entertaining. It's not the sort of game that will blow you away with wild innovation or complex level design, but it will make you smile from start to finish, as perfect a reason as any to give Robobot a shot.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
As a sequel to a game released 21 years prior, A Link Between Worlds needed to please two very different crowds: those who played A Link to the Past, and those who have become Zelda fans since. Luckily, it's brilliant, simultaneously harnessing the nostalgia many have for the early games in the series while also accomplishing some completely new things. You can transport yourself between the second and third dimensions, for example, and the ability to do so is the basis for many of the game's ingenious puzzles. You also merely rent the game's arsenal of weapons and tools now, embarking on whichever quest takes your fancy at that time. You'll be spoilt for choice, too, since A Link Between Worlds contains some of the series' best-ever dungeons. The combat is simple but satisfying, and it's kept fresh with a number of different enemies and boss fights throughout the game and its extra-hard Hero Mode. The game amazes at every turn, and it more than earns its place among any 3DS owner's library, regardless of whether this is your first time in Hyrule or if you've been here before.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
When Majora's Mask released on the N64 in 2000, it was praised for its originality. Even in the shadow of Ocarina of Time before it, Majora's Mask stood out for its inventive three-day cycle, markedly darker tone, and mature narrative. Majora's Mask was built using Ocarina of Time's assets and is an impressive reimagining of the first 3D Zelda game, but it's truly special for how it weaves a very Zelda-like story through the ins-and-outs of a town and its inhabitants. The 3DS upgrade includes reworked bosses and quality-of-life improvements. And like Ocarina of Time 3D, it retains so much of what made the original great while updating the presentation and inventory management. The world and characters--which are so central to Majora's Mask and what sets it apart--are more vibrant and detailed, and using the bottom screen to switch weapons (and masks in particular) is a game-changer. All of this makes Majora's Mask even more essential, whether you're playing it for the first time or revisiting it.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Even nearly two decades after it was first released, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains one of the most beloved video games ever created, but its 3DS remake is the definitive way to experience it. Developer Grezzo took great pains to recreate the adventure as fans remember it, going so far as to include some of the glitches that appeared in the original N64 release. But while the game's foundation remains largely untouched, its presentation has received a dramatic overhaul. Characters and environments have been completely remade and sport more detail than Nintendo could have ever achieved on N64, breathing new life into the familiar world of Hyrule. As stunning as the updated visuals are in Ocarina of Time 3D, just as notable are the gameplay improvements afforded by the 3DS hardware. Inventory management is more intuitive than ever thanks to the handheld's touch screen, allowing players to swap between items with a tap of the stylus. The bottom screen also makes it easier to glance at the map and get your bearings in a dungeon, while the 3DS gyroscope allows for more accurate aiming. However, the best thing about Ocarina of Time 3D remains the adventure, which takes players through some of the most challenging and well-designed dungeons in any Zelda title. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or have already experience Ocarina of Time countless times in its original form, its 3DS remake is a masterpiece that belongs in every 3DS owner's library.
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga was a phenomenal RPG on the GBA, and it's every bit as good on 3DS. Not that it needed it, but the upgraded visuals make its personality-packed world stand out more than ever, with Mario and Luigi's expressions lending Superstar Saga a lighthearted atmosphere that's easy to love. In typical Mario RPG fashion, Superstar Saga gives you a chance to add a bit of activity to the otherwise formal turn-based battle system. You can press a button at the right moment to add damage to your attacks, but you can also (now, only in the 3DS version) press a button to negate a bit of incoming damage from an enemy assault. You may not think of Mario and Luigi as RPG stars, but that might be because you've never given them a chance to convince you. If any game will win you over, it's Superstar Saga.
Mario Kart 7
Mario Kart 7 is an essential purchase for any 3DS owner. It left behind the somewhat sluggish racing of Mario Kart Wii and propelled the long-running series forward into the air and the water. Hang gliders and propellers might seem like standard fare for Mario Kart since the Wii U and Switch editions, but 7 introduced them and uses them to full effect. Mario Kart 7 also eschews the snaking exploit seen in some previous entries, meaning for a fairer (and less annoying) grand prix. In addition, the 3DS entry contains some of the series' best tracks: Wuhu Loop, Mario Circuit, Music Park, and Shy Guy Bazaar are still excellent, while old favorites such as Wii Koopa Kape, DS DK Pass, SNES Rainbow Road, and GCN Daisy Cruiser make a return. Mario Kart 7 might have been superseded by the more recent Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but the seventh entry in the franchise remains a superb game that belongs in any 3DS library.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D
Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is. It's one of the best entries in the long-running franchise by prolific developer Hideo Kojima. As a prequel to the entire Metal Gear series, it's a great place for newcomers to dive in--despite Metal Gear purists probably disagreeing with this notion. Furthermore, its 3DS port is also one of the best versions of the game. For the uninitiated, Snake Eater takes place in 1964 and centers on a special forces operative codenamed Naked Snake as he attempts to rescue a Russian rocket scientist, sabotage an experimental supertank, and assassinate his defected former boss. It's pulpy spy-fiction made even greater by Kojima's keen cinematographic eye, over-the-top characters, and quirky sense of humor. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D makes a series of updates to the original that improve the overall experience. First, it adds the crouch-walk, a navigational innovation not introduced to the series until Metal Gear Solid 4. This completely revamps the experience of sneaking, enhancing its flexibility and overall pacing. Various other additions, like improved over the shoulder third-person view, the ability to create your own camouflage for Snake to wear, and stereoscopic 3D visual effects also help to elevate an already thrilling and entertaining adventure. Unfortunately, some sacrifices were made to the Snake Eater 3D's framerate to get it to run on 3DS, which has it running slightly lower than previous versions of the game. However, this comes as a small sacrifice towards experiencing the improvements on display. Whether you're a fan of the series or a complete newcomer, Snake Eater 3D is a must-have in anyone's 3DS library.
Metroid: Samus Returns
In an unexpected turn of events, Nintendo partnered with Spanish developer Mercury Steam (Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Raiders of the Broken Planet) to recreate Game Boy's Metroid: The Return of Samus for 3DS. Perhaps more surprising: The game is excellent. Mercury Steam has talent, but the last time a third-party studio developed a Metroid game (Team Ninja on Metroid: Other M), the results were rather inconsistent. But here, we see a Metroid game that feels familiar; the classic Metroid formula is intact, albeit with a 2.5D presentation. It's also got new tricks up its sleeve that add to the excitement. Mercury Steam's knack for combat can be seen in the new parry mechanic, which allows Samus to push back against an attacking enemy, leaving them vulnerable to a deathblow. It admittedly takes some getting used to, but once it becomes second nature, Samus feels like a more formidable force than ever. Perhaps the most surprising inclusion that bolsters Samus Returns' reputation is the available lore, which expands our understanding of the events that led to the creation and invasion of the titular Metroids. It also gives us more insight into the Chozo, the race of bird-like creatures that fostered Samus as a child and brought her up to be the legendary bounty hunter we now know. Samus Returns turned out far better than anybody expected, earning it a spot among the best 3DS games around.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
At the time of its release, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was the largest leap forward in the series--not just in terms of sheer content, but also in being one of the first portable Monster Hunter games you could play online with your pals. If bringing the total amount of weapons up to 14 wasn't enough to sink your teeth into, one of the most interesting parts of MH4U are the fundamental changes to how the game is played. Unlike previous games, it allows players to climb vertical surfaces and attack monsters from above. This goes hand-in-hand with one of the greatest additions: mounting monsters. A clutch mount can possibly turn the tide of a fight that may not be going well and can lead to massive damage if executed correctly. New monsters, new weapons, new gameplay, and more all help Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate be one of the best in the series and one of the strongest games in the 3DS's entire library. It is still worth going back to, even in a post-Monster Hunter World…world.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
In 2014, fans of both Persona 3 and 4 were treated to an endearing collaboration between the casts of both games with Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth. A wacky series of time-bending events bring SEES and Inaba's Investigation Team together, and they join forces to get back home from an alternate dimension. All characters have an adorable chibi redesign which drives home the fun, lighthearted interactions between the two squads. The Twilight Zone-version of Yasogami High School (your base of operations) is stuck in its culture festival event, so outside of battle, it's a non-stop party with your best friends! Persona Q dips into Etrian Odyssey-style first-person dungeon-crawling where you draw up maps manually on the 3DS touch screen as you explore the sprawling labyrinths. The turn-based combat system differs from mainline Persona in that actions are chosen for the entire turn before anything unfolds, changing how you strategize in battle. A bit more forethought is required to survive, especially since this game is more difficult than what you might be used to. Fan service is the root of Persona Q, which means this isn't the place for series newcomers to start. However, it's what makes this game special; imagine Koromaru jumping into Kanji's arms or Chie and Akihiko scarfing down tons of takoyaki together. All these heartfelt moments are perfectly wrapped into an amazing soundtrack. The introduction song "Maze of Life" encapsulates the warm feeling of seeing these characters together and the battle theme "Light the Fire Up in the Night" gives an empowering, upbeat feel to whooping on shadows. If you have love for Persona 3 and 4, Q will constantly bring a smile to your face.
Picross 3D Round 2
A cute little door chime tinkles as you enter the bright cafe. Quaint cups of French coffee fill the room with a strong aroma, presumably, which you mentally breathe in. The romantic accordion music of unknown origin tickles your ears and you sigh contently. Okay. This is good. Now, time to solve some fiendishly hardcore logic puzzles. Picross 3D is an unique reinterpretation of 2D picture logic puzzles developed by Kirby studio HAL Laboratory, and Round 2 represents their second collection of puzzles for Nintendo handhelds. While traditional 2D Picross puzzles ask you to fill in particular blank squares via the process of logical deduction, HAL's take has you chipping away cubes from a more substantial block to sculpt three-dimensional objects like a cute little penguin, or Link riding Epona. It doesn't sound like much, but ask anyone who's dipped their toe into the world of Picross or Picross 3D, and it's likely they'll expound the virtues of the insanely engaging, brain-twisting puzzles that have sucked away countless hours. It's such a treat to deduce precise conclusions and break blocks with your stylus to uncover surprising rewards, and the whole presentation of Picross 3D Round 2 adds such a delightfully charming layer to it all. With nearly 400 puzzles to solve, if you have a 3DS and like to chill, Picross 3D Round 2 is the perfect game to kick back and relax with.
Pokemon Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
Sun and Moon, as well as their updated versions, refine Pokemon's formula for both beginners and veterans. Despite some story hiccups and hand-holding in places, the seventh generation is for everyone, from complete newcomers to serious competitive players, and that's all thanks to small but noticeable upgrades throughout. On the beginner side of things, Sun and Moon add an in-battle indicator for how effective a move will be (so if you try to use a Fire-type move on a Water-type Pokemon, it will tell you ahead of time that it won't be very effective). For competitive battles, on the other hand, there's now an easy way to view a Pokemon's "hidden" stats in the PC box. There are also Alola versions of classic Pokemon, like an Ice-type variant of Vulpix, that make the new region really come alive. As the updated versions, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon come with even more tweaks and are the ones to get if you're looking to jump into Gen 7 for the first time. They add some filler to the already underwhelming story, but they also fix the slow beginning of the originals and add charming details that make the world even more vibrant.
Pokemon X/Y
As the first Pokemon games on 3DS, X and Y carried with them a lot of excitement--and expectation. They catapulted the mainline Pokemon games into the third dimension, and they did so with aplomb. X and Y's Kalos--a pastiche of France--is a diverse and beautiful locale, filled with some of the series' best music and most imaginative towns. The Paris-esque Lumiose City is a grand, sprawling region in itself that highlights one of the best things about X and Y. The move into 3D allows developer Game Freak to use the camera in interesting ways, and the over-the shoulder view seen in Lumiose feels like a leap for a series that, until X and Y, had been restricted to a top-down view only. The pair of games also contain some of the series' best creature designs for many years. Fennekin--a firefox--and Froakie--the cutest frog in existence (sorry, Politoed)--are obvious early favorites, while Flabebe and Xerneas showcase a roster that is as colorful as it is creative.
Pushmo
Intelligent Systems' colorful and clever puzzle game, Pushmo, may be downloadable only, but it's a memorable and often tricky game that's easy to become absorbed in. You progress through a series of Pushmo, structures of blocks you can move, and your goal is to reach and rescue children caught in the structures by shifting the blocks to create platforms. As the levels get harder, you have to put more forethought into how you move the blocks--some might need to fall in exactly the right spot, or you'll need to pull out two blocks before moving a third in order to get the platforms just right. The structures themselves often form cute pictures, too, like a duck or even an 8-bit Link. Solving each puzzle is satisfying, but starting the next is just delightful, which places Pushmo among the ranks of the 3DS's best games.
Rhythm Heaven Megamix
If you like bopping your head to catchy tunes and seeing cute characters in bizarre situations, then the Rhythm Heaven series is right up your alley. Nintendo's take on rhythm-action is a WarioWare-style collection of mini-games that focuses solely on dead-simple mechanical inputs while dialing up the aesthetic charm. In a genre that is characterised by screen-cluttering colors and input prompts, Rhythm Heaven crafts its player cues solely around audio and the use of no more than two buttons, meaning it's easier to both wholly appreciate the great music and fantastic presentation without worrying about messing up your performance. Rhythm Heaven Megamix collects dozens of existing mini-games from the series' releases on the GBA, DS, and Wii on top of a handful of new ones to total around 100 scenarios, while adding in new remix versions and mashup challenges. An overarching Story mode means the game is more bloated than its purer predecessors, but it's nevertheless a fantastic must-own title for the 3DS, a great best-of package for players new and familiar which showcases the kinds of amazingly charming, humorous, and downright fun things Nintendo is capable of.
Shin Megami Tensei IV
In 2013, it seemed an unusual choice to receive the latest sequel to Atlus' mainline Shin Megami Tensei series on 3DS. After all, past games had only appeared on consoles--with the last entry, Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne, releasing on PS2 in 2004. However, when Shin Megami Tensei IV arrived, it was ultimately a worthy successor that lived up to series standards, offering an intriguing story and a multi-layered combat system that is as satisfying as it is punishing. The game puts you in control of Flynn, a samurai who protects the medieval Kingdom of Mikado from attacks by hostile demons. When a mysterious Black Samurai begins transforming the population into demons, Flynn gets caught in a struggle between angelic and demonic forces within a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. While SMT IV's story is nowhere near as bleak as its predecessor, it still pulls you in with otherworldly thrills and conspiracies. It's also a captivating game with mechanics that instantly command your attention. The ability to raise up an army of demons to fight alongside you is delightful and engrossing--it's sort of like Pokemon, but with bloodthirsty and mischievous demons. Before you know it, you'll be pouring hundreds of hours into the game, simply leveling up your demonic allies or fusing them to create even more powerful ones. All the while, you'll also accumulate rich knowledge of your foes, exploiting their weaknesses and dispatching them without taking a single hit. While SMT IV's future spin-off, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, improved many of its clunkier design choices and narrative shortcomings, the game remains one of 3DS' best RPGs. It's well worth playing, especially you're itching to dive into a demonic war plaguing what remains of a devastated Tokyo (yes, we're looking at all of you edgy '90s anime fans out there).
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei IV is already on this list, but it's also worth considering its parallel, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse. Focusing on a new set of characters and introducing numerous enhancements that make your trek through a twisted version of Tokyo, Apocalypse is far from a simple reskinned cash grab. Previously inaccessible demons can be recruited to your team now, and a new element is introduced that adds a layer of complexity to the game's crucial buff and debuff system. Your reward for successfully exploiting an enemy's weakness is the chance to take another turn--as usual--but Apocalypse bolsters this opportunity by letting you imbue a standard attack with an ability of your choice. You can also use partners in battle now--secondary party members that are AI-controlled, invulnerable to certain abilities, and capable of teaming up for a powerful combo attack. Returning players will also appreciate how the opening gets you right into the story without the lengthy prologue that plagued the first game. Instead, you get to jump right into what makes SMT IV great: sinister storylines and challenging turn-based combat.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked and Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker
The Devil Survivor games, both of which originated on the DS and received enhanced re-releases on the 3DS, are great spinoffs of the Shin Megami Tensei RPG series developed specifically for Nintendo handhelds. The series' demon recruitment and combat mechanics remain, as does its typically dark narrative tones. But here, they're married to a satisfying turn-based grid tactics system and an engaging branching story with grey moral choices. When dark forces threaten to destroy Tokyo and greater Japan, it's up to a group of plucky teenagers to tame some demons and stop them, but how they ultimately get to that point is based on your decision making. Devil Survivor incorporates a suspenseful time mechanic, meaning you'll have to make choices in regards to which areas to investigate, who to help, which battles to fight, and where the plot takes you before the overall events draw to a close. These games also incorporate a simpler version of social links from the Persona lineage, where spending your time in various character-driven moments with team members can increase their skillsets and effectiveness in battle. But unlike Persona, it embraces more of the series' infamously challenging combat difficulty. The Devil Survivor games feel almost like a "best of" package that successfully mesh components of various Shin Megami Tensei spinoffs to make something that feels uniquely fresh, and unsurprisingly, they're some best hardcore RPG experiences on the 3DS.
Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario 3D Land is the only 3D Mario platformer to grace the 3DS, but it remains one of the handheld's best titles. Arriving a little over a year after Mario's Wii swansong, Super Mario Galaxy 2, 3D Land continued the series' trend toward linearity, playing like a hybrid between Mario's 2D and 3D adventures. Mario himself can still move around in all directions, but the stages he explores in 3D Land place a much stronger emphasis on side-scrolling and tricky platforming, making them better suited to portable play. For longtime fans, however, what makes 3D Land especially enjoyable are its many callbacks to Mario's roots. The game resurrects a number of the classical elements that haven't been seen since Mario's 2D days. Each level ends with a flagpole, and touching an enemy will cause Mario to revert to his diminutive "normal" state, just as in his 2D games. Best of all, 3D Land marks the return of the classic power-ups like the Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros. 3, which are just as fun to use in a 3D setting. More importantly, 3D Land features a wonderful collection of varied and creative stages, which introduce new gameplay ideas at a rapid pace while being short enough to enjoy in quick bursts. The game also plays around with perspective in some clever ways, making it one of the best showcases for 3DS's stereoscopic capabilities and a true must-have for the handheld.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Monolith Soft's Xenoblade Chronicles was one of the last great Wii games, but the first 3DS game built exclusively for 2015's New 3DS handhelds. The advanced hardware requirement isn't surprising given the massive scale of Xenoblade's world and the detail that Nintendo sought to maintain during the game's transition to a portable format. And barring a few clumsy UI designs, Xenoblade Chronicles on 3DS is basically on par with the original game, with the small screen masking the effects of the minimal graphical compromises. And what a game it is. Chronicles' story is captivating, punctuated with high drama against a (at the time) unique backdrop that's still impressive to behold. It features a complex real-time combat system that demands your attention, especially given that the world is populated with monsters big and small from the start. The ecosystem feels convincing as a result, which heightens the sense of adventure as you push your party to their limit while crossing dangerous terrain. There's no shortage of great RPGs on 3DS, and Xenoblade Chronicles' ambitious foundation makes it the most technically impressive and epic of them all.
By Chris Pereira on Mar 06, 2018 05:00 am
What We Still Want To See
Not for the first time in its history, there were those who believed Nintendo was doomed in light of the Wii U's struggles, and that its only option was to become a third-party developer, a la Sega. The Nintendo Switch has silenced many of those critiques: Its sales have exceeded those of PS4 through a comparable period following its launch, surpassed projections, and helped to boost Nintendo's market value to levels only exceeded during the heyday of the Wii. And all of that is not without reason: the Nintendo Switch is great! Provided you have some use for removing it from the dock--whether it be to take it to work, school, bed, or, let's be honest, the bathroom--it provides an experience unlike quite anything else. It's also quietly built up an excellent library of games in just a year, even setting aside big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. But there's also room for improvement. Areas in which Nintendo has historically struggled are present and need to be addressed, and there are other spots that this already solid system could be made even better. Let's run through what we want to see. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, the best games on the console as of 2018, and the best Switch games under $20.
Folders and Game Management
Over time Switch owners will inevitably continue buying more games on Nintendo's Eshop. Those who have already accumulated a large collection of digital games know Switch is not well-equipped to handle this. The system's main navigation bar doesn't scroll infinitely, and eventually you do hit the point where you get an "All Software" button that displays everything installed. But there's no level of control over how things are displayed--you can't sort the games in any specific way (everything is shown based on what was opened most recently). Worse, you can't pin specific games to the main navigation bar or create folders, which would help to alleviate all of this. Nintendo might have been able to argue folders weren't necessary at launch, but as the number of worthwhile games continues to grow, it's time for them to be introduced.
Customizable Wallpaper
Switch features two different color schemes for its main menu, and while I appreciate not having to suffer the eye-searing white while playing late at night, it's not enough. Vita has allowed you to use custom images as backgrounds since it launched more than six years ago, so why shouldn't I be able to Twin Peaks-ify my Switch in 2018? Pre-designed themes, like those available on 3DS, would also be a welcome addition to the system. Considering they would likely cost money, though, having both those and custom wallpapers would be best.
HD Rumble Settings
HD Rumble is great--when it's used right. There's nothing quite like 1-2-Switch's ball-rolling mini-game, and TumbleSeed makes good use of the advanced vibration technology. But we've also seen multiple games go overboard, pushing the rumble effect well beyond the point of comfort. Having a system-level setting that can override rumble strength would help to mitigate this unpleasantness.
Web Browser and Media Apps
At launch, Nintendo may have wanted to emphasize that the Switch was a game machine first and foremost, and thus left out non-game functionality to accomplish that. Fine. The point has been made, and I don't think that the ability to watch Netflix and YouTube videos or visit a website is going to chill demand for the console. It didn't hurt the Wii, and frankly, it's silly to consider that a console that had outdated hardware a decade ago could do anything that the Switch can't today. Currently, there a two video apps for Switch: Hulu and Japan-exclusive NicoNico. We're hoping the number of video and media apps continue to increase as the year goes on. Adding these features would also give Nintendo a way to leverage the right Joy-Con's little-used IR pointer--which we suspect many people don't even know exists. Pointing a Joy-Con at your TV would be even better than navigating with a controller, as you do on Xbox One or PS4.
Better Eshop
Even a year into the Switch's release, the Eshop remains a bit of a mess. The system itself struggles to house a fraction of the games available, but the Eshop has to hold them all, and it does so poorly. You can search manually, look at recent releases or best sellers, or check out a full list. That's it. Building a store is no easy task--just see the more extreme, but similar problems Valve faces with Steam--but there is basic, core functionality that is missing here. Oh, and one more thing: BRING BACK THE WII ESHOP MUSIC. Scientific studies we have definitely conducted show a guaranteed 1,000% increase in sales if people are visiting the store just to listen to the music.
More Wii U Ports
Any system could use more games, and while I hope to see worthwhile original ones continue to roll out at a regular cadence, that doesn't mean the Wii U ports need to stop. Already we've seen Bayonetta 1 + 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and soon we'll have Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze, but why stop there? There are plenty of quality games on Wii U that never got the attention they deserved due to low adoption of the system, so let's keep them coming. From The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario Maker, there are a wide variety of genres that could be bolstered on Switch with improved versions of Wii U games. The hard work is already done, with these games already being great--now let's hope Nintendo makes good on what it's already teased by sprinkling in more deluxe ports over the next few years.
Let Me Preserve My Saves
Switch feels like a modern console in many ways; having one system that can play a game like Breath of the Wild on your giant TV or in the backseat of a car is positively magical. And yet numerous aspects of the system lack the type of functionality you'd expect from a system released even several years ago, let alone in 2018. The inability to back up save files has us perpetually in fear. For a system whose marquee game can consume hundreds of hours of your time and would cause tears to be shed if your save were lost, the absence of save backups is absurd. Nintendo has made it possible to transfer your data from one Switch to another Switch--albeit in the way system data transfers have worked with Wii U and 3DS where it's permanent. Our hope is that Nintendo is developing a seamless cloud-based save backup system (unlikely, we know).
Better Online Support
Similarly, Switch's online support is poor. The fact that friend codes still exist is frankly staggering. There's no way to message friends or create a profile for yourself (or, in lieu of that, a nickname for people on your friends list to help keep track of who is who). And while it's easy enough to boot up a simple online match of Splatoon 2, the official voice chat solution is nothing short of laughable. Nintendo's premium online service still isn't available while it continues to ensure it's up to snuff, but there are numerous ways in which the overall experience--paid or not--needs to improve.
Bring Back the Activity Log
An one odd pleasure of ours is taking a look at how much time we've spent playing games. Nintendo embraced this desire with the 3DS and Wii U's Activity Log, which broke down exactly when and how much specific games were played. Switch only presents a rudimentary version of this. Currently, even that information is starting to get scrubbed. It's possible to see some information in the mobile parental controls app or view your online profile to get a fairly non-specific hour count (assuming you aren't in the dreaded "Played for a little while" range). But if the system is bothering to count, just give us that cold, raw data.
HDMI Output in Handheld Mode
The only official way to play your Switch on a TV is to drop it into the dock, but what I'd love is the ability to cut out that middle man and output video to a TV from handheld mode. The most obvious benefit would be not needing to buy an additional, pricey dock for a second room you want to play in (which may be one reason Nintendo doesn't offer this option). But it would also make it significantly easier to take a Switch to someone else's house for some multiplayer action. We've brought our Switch to family gatherings, and we were forced to endure multiplayer on the Switch's screen, which is just not big enough for some games, like Fast RMX. Perhaps we should have had the foresight to pack our dock, but that runs contrary to the idea of being able to pick up the system and walk out the door.
Different Kinds of Joy-Cons
Image credit: ryansalamanda on Twitter It's a concept that fans immediately imagined after the Switch's design was revealed: alternative Joy-Cons. We've seen some different colors announced--and there are still a lot of possibilities there; We'd love a Super Famicom one--but functionally different Joy-Cons is where the real potential lies. Hardcore Super Smash Bros. fans would undoubtedly like to see a GameCube controller essentially cut in half and Joy-Con-ified, while others have proposed those that lend themselves to shooting games or even specific titles, like Yo-Kai Watch. Nintendo could run the risk of flooding stores and demanding too much shelf space, but it's exciting to think about what's possible.
Virtual Console (With Cross-Buy Support)
Here's the biggest one of all. Switch is already home to numerous Neo Geo games and classic Nintendo Arcade games, but there is a vast library of classic console games that we're dying to be able to play on the system. The success of the NES Classic (and strong demand for the SNES Classic) may have incentivized Nintendo to wait or drop Virtual Console plans altogether, but we remain hopeful that it's on the way in full. More than just the ability to boot up classic games, we hope Nintendo doesn't ignore the money fans have invested in Virtual Console on its older platforms. Cross-Buy support that brings your existing collection of VC games to Switch would be a dream come true and make the Switch even more appealing than it already is. Let's just hope that, by the time Nintendo decides to dump these hundreds of games on the Eshop, it also overhauls the store's layout. And don't forget about that music.
Nintendo Character-Themed Labo
While Nintendo's eccentric Labo has yet to come out, its upcoming release has us eagerly hoping that it'll reveal more based specifically around its most popular properties. Imagine if we had Labo-like accessories resembling Link's sword and shield, or even a cardboard version of Samus Aran's blaster that we could slip snugly onto our arms. Labo is already such a quirky idea that caters towards our childhood memories of playing with cardboard boxes; Nintendo character-themed Labo could be the step that pushes it further.
By Nick Margherita on Mar 06, 2018 03:40 am
It's A Pirate's Life For Me
We are less than a month away from Rare's latest release of their swashbuckling pirate game, Sea of Thieves. And throughout the past few weeks we've had the opportunity to dive into some of the title's latest improvements during a studio visit and various betas. From pirate legends to skeleton raids to the kraken and beyond, updates on the game's features have been numerous. Even with all the hype surrounding Microsoft's first exclusive title of 2018, here are 10 reasons to be excited for Sea of Thieves. Sea of Thieves releases on March 20 for PC and Xbox One. For those with Xbox Game Pass, the game will be available on day-one as part of the subscription program. That gets you access to both the Xbox One and PC versions, as Sea of Thieves will support cross-play between the two platforms. Special Sea of Thieves-themed Xbox One accessories will also launch alongside the game. We recently played the game, and you can find out what we think in our Sea of Thieves preview. What are you most excited to explore when Sea of Thieves finally releases? Let us know in the comments below.
Sailing The Beautiful High Seas
Based on our experience with the game's alphas and betas, it's clear that Rare's pirate adventure game is absolutely gorgeous. The video game water you sail on is second to none and the picturesque islands feel like unique worlds by their own right. As the sun sets and rises on the sea of thieves, Rare's use of Unreal Engine 4 shines brightly. Aside from the game's graphical quality, its cartoon art style complements the comedic and silly aspects of the game (like firing fellow crewmates out of cannons or playing pirate dress-up with goofy accessories). Sea of Thieves' art style is both beautifully designed and humorously quirky all at the same time.
Thrilling Pirate Voyages
Voyages are Sea of Thieves' version of quests, and there are many different types of adventures pirates can embark on. But before venturing out onto the open ocean, you'll need to visit an outpost to purchase a voyage from one of the game's three factions, also known as Trade Companies. The first trade company is the Gold Hoarders. Those who had the chance to play during the closed beta will have become familiar with these gilded NPCs. The Gold Hoarders challenge you to hunt for treasure via x-marks-the-spot maps and solving riddles. And it is also possible to sell them other rare artifacts discovered around the world. The second company is the Order of Souls. These mysterious NPCs will pay pirates to go on bounty hunts for the most deadly pirate captains; return with their skulls in hand and you'll be handsomely rewarded by the trade company. It's rumored that a future open beta will allow players to try these combat-oriented voyages. The third and final trade company that we know of is the Merchant Alliance. They wish to control trade in the world and will thus pay you to scout for supplies (like pigs, chickens, or gunpowder) across the sea. Only caveat is, you must fulfill your contract on time, so best make good use of your in-game pocket watch. These are the three trade companies that Rare has shared details on, but it's important to note that they plan to add more factions in due time.
Team Up Or Go Alone
It's no secret that Sea of Thieves is a unique type of multiplayer game that operates best when players adventure in groups and communicate properly with one another. The larger galleons sailed by a crew of four are not only better equipped with many cannons and multiple sails but are also more sturdy when it comes to attacks. Yet you might prefer to explore the world alone, and Rare has made this possible with the addition of single-sailed sloops. These small vessels are more nimble than galleons but are far more fragile. Everything necessary to operate the ship (including the sails, wheel, anchor, and map) are within arm's reach, even for solo pirates. Rare has stated that it is far more difficult to play alone, as other crews can easily overwhelm a lone player. But if you sail carefully, you can still venture out on your own solo adventures when your friends are offline.
Guns At The Ready
Although the tranquil waves can be mesmerizing, it's important to survey the seas as danger lurks around every corner. Other crews are constantly trying to sink your ship and steal your treasure, so you'll need to be prepared for battle at a moment's notice. Ship-to-ship combat on the high seas can be chaotic. As the cannon balls whiz by, you'll need to manage the game's warfare mechanics between firing back, repairing holes, and steering your vessel. And although that can be overwhelming at first, boarding, killing, and sinking an opposing ship is quite satisfying. While scouring the various islands on foot, you'll often run into other crews off on their own adventures or skeleton hordes protecting their long-lost treasures. The sword-fights and gunplay that follow can be a little clunky from time-to-time, but you'll be rewarded in gold if you can successfully ambush another crew and return the stolen loot back to an outpost. It's a pirate life for all and you'll need to fight for your precious cargo.
Dress The Part
When you first fire up Sea of Thieves you'll be greeted by what Rare's calling "The Infinite Pirate Generator." You'll be able to circle through eight pre-created pirates coming in different shapes, sizes, genders, and appearances. If none fit your preference, you can regenerate the eight characters over and over again until you find one you'd like to roleplay. Once you've selected your pirate the real fun begins. At outpost shops you can spend your hard-earned gold on a ton of cosmetic items to dress up your buccaneer. From full costumes to peg-legs, how you choose to outfit your character will allow you to further stand out. Rare has confirmed that microtransactions will be in the final game but stated there will not be a loot box system nor will purchases affect gameplay or give unfair advantages. During the first patch update Rare plans to sell virtual pets, so you will know exactly what you are buying.
Game-Changing Treasures
During the closed beta and scale tests, players discovered two uniquely designed treasure chests with some interesting effects. The Chest of a Thousand Grogs will make the carrier drunk immediately, and the Chest of Sorrow will periodically cry and fill your ship with water if you don't bail quickly. These cursed chests will change the way you play the game. For example, some players have reported that playing their concertina and hurdy-gurdy instruments have soothed the Chest of Sorrow's tears. And others have shared that they've used the Chest of a Thousand Grogs to easily ambush drunken foes. Although these chests might seem like an unnecessary challenge, they are worth your trouble as they can be sold to the Gold Hoarders for far more gold than most regular chests. In recent developer updates and concept art, Rare has shown some additional chests that appear out of the ordinary, but we don't know what effects these chests will have on the player or the world around them. We can only speculate and hope that more cursed chests are on the horizon for the game's full release.
Skeleton Forts
Since the first Sea of Thieves marketing materials launched, players have speculated about the skull cloud with glowing green eyes. We now know it is one of the title's emergent gameplay systems. A giant skull cloud will randomly appear above a particular skeleton fort which informs all pirate crews sailing around the map that a raid is going down. As crews converge on the island, they can choose to work together or battle each other through the waves of enemy skeletons. Once you've fought your way through the horde, the captain will appear and challenge players to a battle. When the captain is defeated, the cloud will dissipate and the skeleton will drop a key to the fort's vault. Once the vault is open, other crews are free to sabotage, but Rare has stated that there will be more loot than a single crew can carry. How raids will transpire is up to you: Can crews work together? Will there be an all out war for the vault's contents? Or should you escape with the key and return when the coast is clear? Thanks to data-mining Redditors, diverse classes of skeletons are rumored to be in the final game. Codes for bone, metal, plant, and shadow skeletons have been discovered while data mining the alphas, betas, and scale tests.
Become A Pirate Legend
Turns out the slogan "Become Pirate Legend" was not simply Sea of Thieves marketing material but rather the game's first form of endgame content. As you level up your reputation with the various factions, you'll eventually be approached by a mysterious group of NPCs who you'll want to impress. Although it is unclear what these challenges might entail, we do know that once you've proven your worth, you'll be invited into The Tavern of Legends. This secret lair is hidden somewhere within the sea of thieves and was even in the closed beta (although no players were able to uncover its secrets). Inside the secluded tavern, the ghostly pirate lord will sell you legendary voyages. And although these voyages are by far the most valuable and fruitful in the game, they can still be shared with any other pirates regardless of their rank. Rare expects the first Pirate Legends to arrive in the hideout a couple weeks after launch, and when that happens, you'll begin to see some unique cosmetic items and high-ranking titles sailing throughout the world.
Become A Legendary Captain
For the game's first major update, Rare has promised that you can expect yet another achievement to strive towards: becoming a Legendary Captain. The second tier of endgame content makes the Tavern of Legends your personal hideout, as you'll automatically spawn there when signing on. The ship wading in the background of the cave will also become yours to sail and customize. When other players see the legendary ship sail out from underneath the hideout's waterfall (think the Batmobile bursting out of the Batcave), they'll know a Legendary Captain is on the seas.
Release The Kraken
After much speculation and discussion among the community, we can finally confirm that something wicked lies beneath the ocean's waves. The Kraken is very much real, acting as a force of nature similar to the game's storms that can emerge at any time. The ocean will grow dark with ink and the in-game music will begin to change if the kraken draws near. If you are unable to outrun it, it will wrap its giant tentacles around your ship and any other ships nearby, attempting to crush them beneath its weight. Crew members can be attacked, thrown, and thrashed around if you don't bring the fight to its suction-cupped limbs. And as an emergent gameplay element, the Kraken will act differently depending on the situation. Rare has stated there will be a reward if you and your crew are able to take down the Kraken, but we will have to wait to find out what that might be.
By GameSpot Staff on Mar 06, 2018 01:24 am
Quality Games On A Budget
Nintendo Switch has just turned a year old, and already the system has no shortage of quality games to play. Even before a flurry of big-name third-party ports release for the system--Bayonetta 2, Skyrim, L.A. Noire, and Doom--there were already a ton of worthwhile options on Switch. There are Nintendo's flagship titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2, and a variety of other Switch games you may have missed. Beyond that, though, there's a burgeoning selection of games that cost no more than $20. These budget-priced games are not a concept exclusive to Switch, nor is this system the only place to find many of them. But given the system's only a year in, it's incredible how the platform is bursting at the seams with games to play. Particularly, if you're just getting a system now, it can be hard to find things to play, in part because the Eshop needs some work. In the gallery above, we're highlighting Switch games that are available for no more than $20 on the Eshop. This is far from a comprehensive list, but if you're looking for a cheap Switch game to pick up, you can't go wrong with any of these options. Many are not Switch exclusives, but it's often the best platform to play them on, thanks to newly added features or the sheer convenience of having a version you can play both on a TV and on the go. These games are presented in no particular order; they're simply titles that are worth a look. For an analysis of Nintendo Switch's first year, be sure to read our feature discussing the console's various successes and failures. In addition, you can also check out our features detailing all the Wii U games we ported to Switch, 13 things we still want to see from the console, and the best games on the console as of 2018.
Celeste ($20 / £18)
Celeste is a magical game that will challenge you in a multitude of ways. Its platforming is really, really hard, and you'll likely get frustrated at your fumbling fingers for failing a jump or at your slow brain for not figuring out how to get to the next safe zone. But when you get to that checkpoint, it's satisfying to know your fingers and brain aren't, in fact, useless. More than its platforming, though, Celeste's story is challenging. The main protagonist, Madeline, is faced with a horrible journey--both climbing a mountain and battling her own mind--and at times it's not easy to watch her suffer. The game's writing is such that it's easy to project that suffering onto yourself, and that can make it tough to face playing the next level. But you should absolutely do so, because it's a story with an ending worth the struggle and a cast of characters so endearing you'll be rooting for them to succeed. Just expect to fail a few leaps of faith along the way.
The Sexy Brutale ($20 / £18)
The Sexy Brutale is a quirky little puzzle game co-developed by Tequila Works, the studio behind beautiful adventure game Rime. Its essentially Groundhog Day: The Game--you play through the same day over and over, but with each runthrough you learn more about the creepy mansion you find yourself in. After seeing one character shoot another, you might go and find the gun and prevent the bloody murder by replacing real bullets with blanks. A number of these murders are interconnected--solving one puzzle might prevent one murder, but that could change another branch of time elsewhere in the house. There's no way of preventing every murder in one go, but discovering and tinkering with the different timelines is where the fun lies. And with it being playable on Switch, you can live the same day countless times anywhere you want. Suffice to say, we've played it over and over again--groundhog day indeed.
Crypt of the NecroDancer ($20 / £18)
Roguelikes (or at least roguelike elements) have been one of the most popular trends in gaming over the past handful of years, but few have taken as interesting of an approach to the genre as Crypt of the NecroDancer. Originally released on PC and other platforms before making its way to Switch in 2018, NecroDancer tasks players with navigating a dungeon to the beat of the music. Rather than simply move in the direction you wish or attack the enemy that's in your path, you and your enemies' actions are tied directly to the (always excellent) soundtrack. It's essential that you always be doing something--not taking an action at the next beat resets your combo, meaning you'll earn less gold or deal less damage, depending on the items you've acquired. Particularly as the music becomes more fast-paced, this lends a real sense of tension and excitement to every moment: you need to constantly be considering your next action while accounting for how nearby enemies will react to your movements. It's an experience with few points of comparison, but it's nonetheless one that you'll certainly want to try.
Battle Chef Brigade ($20 / £18)
Battle Chef Brigade puts you in control of an aspiring young chef named Mina as she fights to become the best cook in the land. But this isn't your typical cooking game; rather than choose from pre-set ingredients in front of you to make a simple dish, you actually have to hunt and gather them yourself, making use of Devil May Cry-like battle system to eliminate them in the wild. You then have to take what you gather back to your kitchen, throw it in a pot, and cook it in a match three mini-game. F rame this within an Iron Chef-like cook off where the clock is ticking against you and you'll have an idea of what you're getting into. The juxtaposition between the two core mechanics of hunting and cooking make for a tense, fast-paced experience that's both memorable and fulfilling.
Enter the Gungeon ($15 / £11)
Being a roguelike-style shooter, Enter the Gungeon naturally draws comparisons to games like The Binding of Isaac and Nuclear Throne. And while that does offer a decent starting point for understanding what to expect, Enter the Gungeon manages to rise above being a pale imitator. It feels fantastic, with a dodge-roll ability that allows you to satisfyingly evade damage with a well-timed use. There are ridiculous weapons, such as those that fire bees or a gun that shoots guns which themselves fire bullets. The well-crafted procedurally generated environments help to keep each run feeling fresh, as do the wide variety of items and secrets to uncover along the way. And co-op support makes for an especially fun, chaotic experience (although it's unfortunate that the second player isn't able to play as the different characters that the main player has access to). The entire game is also overflowing with personality and color, making for an experience that is as fun to look at as is to play.
Furi ($20 / £18)
Fans of Japanese action games will instantly love Furi, as it utilizes a twitch-based combat similar to fan-favorite games in the genre, like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Its premise is simple: you play as a nameless silver-haired swordsman who must fight his way out of imprisonment, facing off against a gauntlet of deadly bosses. Aside from its striking presentation, Furi's most memorable quality is its fast and frenetic combat, which is punchy, nuanced, and elegantly simple. It combines mechanics from both hack-and-slash games and shoot 'em ups, challenging you to handle switching between gameplay styles at a moment's notice in the midst of a fight. If you're a sucker for challenging action games, Furi should be at the top of your list for $20 Switch games to buy.
SteamWorld Dig 2 ($20 / £15)
SteamWorld Dig 2 expands on its predecessor in a number of welcome ways. It looks much nicer, with a better soundtrack and more interesting story, but it also expands on progression. A new mod system allows you to tailor your character to your particular style, and the varied environments provide an incentive to keep digging and new challenges to contend with. Digging your way through blocks remains an enjoyable gameplay mechanic, and particularly with optional waypoints disabled, exploring the depths of this world is a real treat. Read our SteamWorld Dig 2 review
Picross S ($8 / £7.19)
Switch's entry in the Picross series, Picross S, doesn't do anything radically new, and it doesn't have to. It offers the straightforward, streamlined pleasure of its sudoku/nonogram-style gameplay on the go. It's the kind of game that's perfect to have loaded up on Switch--you can easily jump in for a quick puzzle (or eight) while you're on the go or in between sessions of other games. There's plenty to do with 300 puzzles, and simultaneous two-player multiplayer support gives you a way to ease newcomers into the series.
Stardew Valley ($15 / £11)
Like many other games on this list, Stardew Valley feels particularly well-suited to the portable nature of Switch. The system makes it easy to boot up the game for a quick day on the farm no matter where you are, and the controls work surprisingly well--though they could still use some refinement (possibly through the addition of touch controls, which are absent). The game remains a charming take on the Harvest Moon formula and provides a nice, peaceful complement to many of the more action-oriented games on Switch--particularly in lieu of a new Animal Crossing. Read our Stardew Valley review
Golf Story ($15 / £13.49)
Even if you're not a fan of the real-world sport, there's an undeniable appeal to golf games. Golf Story goes beyond simply letting you hit the links, though, taking the form of a traditional RPG that just happens to revolve around golfing. It features a charming story and a delightful, reactive world to explore, along with some trademark Australian humor. Read our Golf Story review
Sonic Mania ($20 / £16)
Sonic Mania marks the latest attempt to recapture the 2D glory days of the Sonic franchise, and it more than succeeds. Fantastic level design and a real sense of speed help to scratch that nostalgic itch, but it also stands as a solid game among its contemporaries. Our review goes so far as to even say it might very well be the best Sonic game ever. In light of Sonic Forces' deficiencies, at least Sonic fans have good Sonic game to play on the system. Read our Sonic Mania review
Overcooked ($20 / £18)
Multiplayer games that can be played with a single Joy-Con are a real treat--wherever you go with the system, you're able to easily play together with another person. And that's good news for Overcooked, a game that becomes exponentially better when played with at least one other person. What starts out as a relatively tame game where you help each other chop some vegetables and get them served on a plate becomes a frantic rush to put out fires, get ingredients distributed between two moving vehicles, and other ridiculous scenarios. Read our Overcooked review
Thimbleweed Park ($20 / £15)
Point-and-click adventure games have experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, and Thimbleweed Park--from adventure game legends Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick--is a prime example. The X-Files-inspired journey puts you in the role of two FBI agents that bear more than a passing resemblance to the classic TV show as you relive the glory days of adventure games. Playing on any console means dealing with a gamepad-based control scheme (as opposed to the more natural mouse controls on PC), but Switch makes up for this with touchscreen support when played in handheld mode. Read our Thimbleweed Park review
Retro City Rampage DX ($15 / £13)
A throwback GTA Online mode aside, Grand Theft Auto has long since moved on from the classic top-down perspective of its earliest games. Retro City Rampage carries on that legacy, offering an open-world crime game in 8-bit style. What could have easily been a mere GTA clone, however, is distinguished with copious pop culture references and a distinctly arcade-style feel to its gameplay. This DX edition offers additional content not seen in the original version of the game. Read our Retro City Rampage review
Fast RMX ($20 / £17)
The likelihood of a new F-Zero game doesn't seem terribly high, but Fast RMX is the next best thing. It offers a similar style of high-speed, futuristic racing, with support for local and online multiplayer (including single Joy-Con play) and wide variety of levels. It's also a good-looking game, running at 1080p and 60 FPS. Read our Fast RMX review
World of Goo ($10 / £9)
It's been around for years, and the Switch version doesn't bring any new content to the table, but now is as good a time as any to play World of Goo if you haven't already. Its construction-based puzzles that task you with creating structures and other objects to fulfill a variety of objectives are still as well designed as ever, making this a worthwhile addition to your Switch library. The one noteworthy distinction with this edition is the addition of local co-op multiplayer (absent from most other platforms); it's also one of the few games to put the Joy-Con's IR pointer to use. Read our World of Goo review
Little Inferno ($10 / £9)
Another of Tomorrow Corporation's game, Little Inferno also doesn't bring anything new to the table for Switch if you're playing by yourself. But if you have a friend, it introduces a new local co-op multiplayer mode not seen on other platforms. For the uninitiated, Little Inferno involves throwing stuff into a furnace and watching it burn for cash (which is then used to buy more stuff to burn). Despite that simple premise, there is a deeper puzzle system at work here where you have to burn different combinations of objects together to fulfill certain requirement. It's relatively short but features a surprisingly intriguing story and has a cat plushie that poops when burned, so it really checks all the boxes. Read our Little Inferno review
Gonner ($10 / £9)
Switch's portable nature lends itself well to quick, pick-up-and-play roguelike games. Gonner is an ideal example, blending procedural generation with action-platforming as you blast your way through countless enemies. With a distinct visual style and seemingly endless replayability, it's another great match with the platform.
Graceful Explosion Machine ($13 / £10)
Shoot-em-ups are not well-represented on Switch, but Graceful Explosion Machine nicely fills that void. Rather than presenting you with an endless stream of foes, it presents confined, handcrafted levels and a variety of distinct weapons with which to dispatch your enemies. Dealing with weapon cooldowns and figuring out the ideal order in which to deal with enemies becomes a game unto itself, and this all takes place within the confines of a cute, colorful world.
Severed ($15 / £12)
Severed is one of the few games on Switch that can only be played in handheld mode, due to its mandatory touchscreen controls. It's a dungeon crawler with a twist, as you're tasked with slicing your way through enemies you encounter by swiping on the screen. But beyond the enjoyable gameplay and slick visual style, Severed's story is the real highlight, as you experience the tale of a one-armed warrior named Sasha. Read our Severed review
Shovel Knight ($10-$25 / £9-£22.49)
This is admittedly a bit of a cheat, as you're best off buying Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, which includes all three of the campaigns released so far (and more content to come) for $25. But just $10 will get you a single campaign which is more than worth the price of entry. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment puts you in the shoes of one of the main game's antagonists, Specter Knight, as he takes his own unique journey through the same levels featured in the original game. As with Plague Knight's campaign, the unique mechanics at play here (like the dash attack) make for a much different experience. You would be best-served by starting with the base Shovel Knight campaign, but whichever version you play, you'll be treated to a modern take on retro platformers that bests many of the classics it draws inspiration from. Read our Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment review
Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together ($20 / £18)
Snipperclips was overshadowed at launch by the hype around The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but it remains one of--if not the--best multiplayer games on Switch. Although it can be played solo, cooperative play is where Snipperclips truly shines. You work together to solve relatively simple challenges--get this ball into the basket; pop some balloons--by overlapping your characters and cutting chunks out of one another. This allows you to shape your partner into a tool that can be used for the task at hand. There's little else like it, on Switch or elsewhere. One thing to note is the new Snipperclips Plus version, which offers additional content; owners of the base game will be able to purchase its additions as DLC. Read our Snipperclips review
Thumper ($20/£16)
Although it's a game arguably best-suited for VR, Thumper is an incredible experience however you play it. It provides a unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and action--what the developer calls "rhythm violence"--that provides a far more intense version of the basic mechanics you see in other rhythm games. With an incredible soundtrack and levels well-suited to chasing high scores, Thumper is a game with the potential to stick around on your Switch's home screen for a long time. Read our Thumper review
Axiom Verge ($20 / £15)
Axiom Verge is another take on the Metroidvania style, but it distinguishes itself through its wide variety of weapons and tools--most notably, the Address Disruptor, which affects the environment and each enemy type in different ways. It's also a game with an impressive sense of scale and no shortage of secrets to uncover, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Add in an excellent soundtrack and tantalizing story, and there's a lot to like here. Read our Axiom Verge review
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